Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay is the term used to refer to cavities which occur in infants and toddlers. Dr. Peter Gurr and Dr. Scott Jensen provide treatments to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay and minimize the impact of cavities on your child’s teeth. For more information about baby bottle tooth decay in San Antonio, Texas, and to make your child’s appointment with our friendly pediatric dentists, call The Dentists for Kids today at 210-696-2563.

Your child’s baby teeth play an incredibly important role in their oral and overall development. Not only do primary teeth help with enunciation and speech, but they also maintain space for the adult teeth, prevent the tongue from pushing abnormally in the mouth, and boost your child’s self-esteem by giving him or her a beautiful smile.

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth, and most frequently occurs as a result of the child keeping a bottle of sweetened liquid in bed with them at night or through the transmission of saliva between a parent and child.

Here are a few ways in which you can help prevent the development of baby bottle tooth decay:

Rinse pacifiers and toys in clean water. Do not clean them with your own mouth.

Do not share spoons and forks with your child.

Gentle clean your child’s gums after each feeding with a clean washcloth.

If your child has teeth, use an ADA-approved toothpaste and an age-appropriate soft-bristled toothbrush to clean their teeth.

Do not place sugary drinks in baby bottles or sippy cups, especially overnight.

Encourage your child to use a regular cup after they are 12 months of age.

Do not dip pacifiers in honey or sweetened liquids.

Help your child maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.

If your child insists on having a bottle in bed, fill it only with water.

Clean your child’s teeth for them until about age 7.

Ask our dentists to check your child’s fluoride levels.

If you have questions about baby bottle tooth decay, and to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentists, please contact our office today.